Texarkana Gazette

Advice

Virus fears are keeping patients out of the ER In 1974, President Richard Nixon delayed a visit to the hospital for phlebitis (blood clots in his left leg) because he had nosocomephobia, an exaggerated fear of hospitals. He worried that if he went in, he'd never come out alive. It's a pretty common phobia, especially now that the global pandemic has turned hospitals in many locations into M*A*S*H units and filled them to capacity with potentially lethal, infected patients. Published May. 20 2020 @ 9:08pm

Doctors worry 'extended summer' could worsen childhood obesity The closing of schools, playgrounds, sports fields and summer camps due to COVID-19 have pediatric nutritionists and dietitians concerned that changes in eating habits and an overall decrease in physical activity could lead to a future spike in childhood obesity, which has steadily increased over the last four decades according to data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). by The Philadelphia Inquirer Published May. 20 2020 @ 9:06pm

Make disinfecting part of your daily routine Dear Heloise: At the start of cold and flu season, I got in the habit of washing my hands when I came home after doing errands. But I also added the extra step of wiping down the steering wheel, gear shift, car door handle and anything else I touched with a sanitary wipe. It would seem especially more important to take this extra precaution during the present health crisis. Published May. 20 2020 @ 9:03pm

Wife's feelings hurt after camera captures man's angry rant Dear Abby: A few weeks ago, my husband and I had what I thought was a minor conflict, from which I walked away to avoid escalation. I could hear him continuing to rant, so I pulled up the security camera on my phone and watched and listened as he continued to say horrible things for an hour or more. He called me a disgusting blob, said there is nothing appealing about me, and I should go out in the yard and kill myself just like my father did. Published May. 20 2020 @ 8:05pm

Pictures on fruit juice labels can be deceiving When entertainers Penn and Teller use their remarkable abilities for misdirection - distracting you from what is happening right before your eyes - you fall for it time after time. Turns out it is pretty easy to fool yourself, even if you think you're being vigilant. Published May. 19 2020 @ 9:30pm

Finding just the right kitchen gadget Dear Heloise: My family loves fresh pineapple, so I often buy a pineapple and cut it up for them. The one chore I disliked the most was cutting out the center core, but by accident I found a simple way to do that chore. I use a doughnut cutter to get the center core out. It's easy and quick for this task. — Lauren in Florida Published May. 19 2020 @ 4:29pm

Woman's focus on fitness hard for friend to bear Dear Abby: I've been friends with "Lorraine" for 30 years. Actually, the friendship is kind of one-sided because she bugs the hell out of me. Published May. 19 2020 @ 4:27pm

Sister thinks twice about donation Dear Abby: I'm currently waiting to donate my kidney to my sister, who is a year older than I am. My husband and I traveled many hours to get evaluated and tested at her clinic, so the insurance would cover the cost. Published May. 18 2020 @ 4:54pm

Mangled money may still have value Dear Readers: Do you have paper money that is terribly mangled, soiled or torn up? Rodents, insects, fire, water, buried in the backyard all of these things can damage cash to the point that it is unusable. Don't worry, though. The money is more than likely replaceable. Published May. 18 2020 @ 4:52pm

How to brew the healthiest cup of coffee A French press is 1) an exercise that builds triceps strength — you lie on your back and raise and lower a barbell by straightening and bending your arms, and 2) a way to strengthen the flavor of brewed coffee by allowing more of the beans' oils to permeate the liquid. Published May. 18 2020 @ 4:51pm

Woman gets no credit for triumph over substance abuse Dear Abby: I wrote to you 12 years ago as a suicidal teenager. I'm thankful to be writing now from a very different place. I'm 28, happily married, with one child. Published May. 16 2020 @ 4:03pm

Plan for a healthier infection-fighting you First wave, second wave - as COVID-19 pulsates across the country, you've had to wave your normal routines goodbye. Published May. 16 2020 @ 4:00pm

By all means, let Fido stop and smell the roses Dear Heloise: I allow my dog to sniff a lot while we walk along. That's OK, right? — Angela in Texas Published May. 16 2020 @ 3:58pm